Traveling to the Bahamas from the U.S.? Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning to combine the bright lights of Miami with the crystal-clear waters of Nassau? If you are traveling to the Bahamas from the United States, it is vital to understand how your travel authorization works. In 2026, digital border control regulations have tightened, and details such as previous visits to certain countries could result in your entry being denied.

Here is the definitive updated guide to ensure your trip to paradise doesn't get cut short at the airport.

1. Do I need a visa for the Bahamas if I am traveling from the United States?

The answer depends on your nationality, but most tourists visiting the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) do not need a physical visa for the Bahamas; instead, they need a valid ESTA.

The "Contiguous Territory" Rule

This is the most common mistake: thinking that leaving the U.S. for the Bahamas resets your stay counter to zero. It does not. For U.S. authorities, the Bahamas are considered "adjacent islands." This means that the time you spend in the Bahamas is deducted from the total 90 days allowed by your ESTA. If you enter the U.S., go to the Bahamas for 10 days, and return, you are still within your original period of stay.

2. Critical ESTA Requirements in 2026

To travel successfully in 2026, you must meet these updated eligibility requirements:

• Electronic Passport: Your passport must be biometric (with a digital chip).

• The "Cuba Restriction": If you have visited Cuba at any time on or after January 12, 2021, your ESTA will be denied or automatically revoked. You must apply for a B1/B2 visa at an embassy. You can find more detailed information in our guide on traveling to Cuba from the United States.

• Other Restricted Countries: Likewise, if you have been to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 2011, you are ineligible to use the ESTA.
  
  

3. Digital Control and CBP One

Starting this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends using the CBP One mobile app to speed up re-entry from the Bahamas. If you are traveling by cruise ship or private plane, ensure your operator has registered your biometric data digitally to avoid wait times of up to 4 hours at Florida ports.

4. Vaccines and Health: What is Mandatory?

For 2026, the Bahamas maintains a strict protocol only for Yellow Fever. You can find the government link to check vaccination conditions here.

• Mandatory: A vaccination certificate is required if you are traveling from countries with a risk of transmission (this includes much of South America, such as Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, as well as several African countries).

• Transit: If you spent more than 12 hours in an airport in a high-risk country, you will also be required to show the certificate upon arrival in Nassau.
  
  

5. Safety Tips in the Bahamas

Even in paradise, don't let your guard down:

• Water Transportation: Only use registered jet ski and boat operators. In 2026, incidents have been reported due to lack of maintenance on unofficial equipment.

• Safe Zones: In Nassau and Freeport, avoid walking alone in secluded areas after dark. Hotel areas are highly patrolled and monitored.